Winter conditions as thick snow blankets southern Ontario

Southern Ontario residents are getting another taste of winter weather in an unseasonably warm season, as a snowstorm passes over the region.

Parts of the province were under snow squall watches and warnings on Tuesday morning, while other areas were covered by a special weather statement. The alerts have since ended, but affected areas are expected to see flurries for the rest of the day. Flurries could last until Friday, Environment Canada said.

The alerts were issued by Environment Canada Monday evening, when the agency warned that parts of the province from London to Kingston would be blanketed by five to 10 centimetres of snow.

The weather agency sent out new alerts Tuesday morning, saying another five to 10 could fall in some areas, while others may see heavier snowfall by the afternoon.

The agency's special weather statement said some areas along the eastern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario may see more than 10 centimetres of snow, though the agency did not forecast a specific amount.

North of Toronto, some towns and cities may be hit with as much as 25 centimetres by the end of the day, Environment Canada warned.

The forecast also warned of a risk of reduced visibility when strong wind gusts combine with heavy snow in open areas.

"Motorists are advised to exercise caution as the roads may become hazardous at times," the statement said.

Local police forces and the OPP took to Twitter to warn drivers to slow down, and some transit unions warned commuters that buses may be delayed.

Those travelling by air are advised to check their flight status before leaving home. As of 10:30 a.m., 47 arrivals and 44 departures had been cancelled at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The majority of the cancellations were to or from eastern Canadian and U.S. cities that are also affected by the winter weather.